What does the aged care landscape in Australia look like, and which types of care are growing?
In Australia we’re fortunate to have a large range of aged care providers to consider when it comes to accessing quality care. But just how large is this range of providers – and how do you select the right one? Let’s take a closer look at the numbers.
How many residential aged care facilities in Australia?
The number of aged care facilities in Australia is growing to accommodate the higher number of people accessing support in older age. As of 2020-21, GEN aged care data collection showed that there were 830 approved providers of residential aged care in Australia.
How many people access at-home support?
Almost two thirds of the people who access aged care support do so in their home. As of 2021, Australia had 939 approved providers of home care packages, and 840,000 people had home support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
Which aged care service is right for me or my loved one?
If you or your loved one might benefit from some support in daily activities, there are many services and support options that can help. My Aged Care is the best place to begin accessing aged care support. This Australian Government service guides you through a free assessment to help identify which services and support will be most appropriate, and helps you to access subsidies if you are eligible.
How to find the best aged care facilities in Australia
We know it can be daunting to choose from the different aged care providers if residential care is the right choice for you or your loved one. Here are some simple steps you can take to help compare and assess the suitability of aged care facilities and providers.
- Look locally
Consider an aged care option close to home, so that friends and family will find it easy to visit. - Tour the aged care facilities
It should be easy to arrange a walk-through or a virtual tour so you can explore the rooms and shared spaces. - Ask your network
Have friends or family moved into a residential aged care home? If so, can they recommend any providers? - Check the provider’s Service Compliance Rating
You can check whether a provider is meeting the Aged Care Quality Standards by searching at My Aged Care. - Consider the care model
Factors such as quality dining, lifestyle programs and excellent clinical care make all the difference. - Consider word of mouth
What do the people who have interacted with the aged care home have to say? Reviews can give useful insights into the people, service and environments you can expect.
If you’d like to arrange a virtual tour or a video call with a resident at an Aurrum Aged Care home in your area, we welcome you to get in touch with our friendly team today.